Friends' female stars are famed worldwide

The statement followed a deal between cast members and Warners, under which the actors would be paid a reported $1m (�700,000) apiece for each of the final 24 episodes.

Bright, Kauffman and Crane told a teleconference with reporters that the last show of the current series had yet to be written.

But they said they did have some ideas for the birth, which would occur in the final show.

"This year we know Rachel is going to have a baby," Bright said. "And she's not dying in childbirth," added Kauffman.

"At the moment, we've been talking about the idea that it might be the longest labour in the history of the hospital," Bright said.

We're still trying to figure out the end of this season

Marta Kauffman

"Other than that, we're still weighing some options."

Kauffman denied claims that, with the pregnancy storyline, the comedy was straying on to territory more proper to a soap opera.

"I don't think suds is what we're going for," he said.

The show's creators said it was far too early to decide what might happen when Friends really does take its final bow.

Kauffman said: "My guess is that the series finale will be an hour.

"We don't have specific plans at the moment. We're still trying to figure out the end of this season."